Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Exo-Dicyclopentadiene

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Created 10/7/2003 5:00:00 AM

The image shows the Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization of exo-dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). In the autonomic materials group (Jeff Moore, Scott White, and Nancy Sottos), we've investigated exo-DCPD as a potential healing agent in place of endo-DCPD, which is the commercially available (and the most commonly used) form of DCPD. We have found the exo-DCPD can cure as much as 250 times faster than endo-DCPD, and we are currently working on incorporating exo-DCPD into a self-healing material. These stills are from a short video demonstrating the rapid curing times of the polymer. After mixing with the catalyst, the DCPD is slowly poured from the vial onto a glass plate. Within 30 seconds, the bond is strong enough to support the vial. The video was acquired using the ITG's Canon XL1 and digitized using Final Cut Pro.

Credits

• Jeff Moore , Autonomous Materials Systems, Beckman Institute Joe Rule
• Scott White , Autonomous Materials Systems, Beckman Institute
• Nancy Sottos , Autonomous Materials Systems, Beckman Institute
• Joe Rule , Autonomous Materials Systems, Beckman Institute Joe Rule